Mile High Report - Denver Broncos vs. Arizona Cardinals: Complete coverage of Preseason Week 4By Fans, For Fans....Your Source For Denver Broncos News and Commenthttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50905/mhr-fav.png2015-09-04T19:15:50-06:00http://www.milehighreport.com/rss/stream/90191342015-09-04T19:15:50-06:002015-09-04T19:15:50-06:00Montee Ball, post-game, sounds like a resigned man
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ePGp_3HVwTSqreRqw3dxY8uzFiw=/563x101:3742x2220/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47097916/GettyImages-486493042.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Doug Pensinger/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>"It was a lot of carries," Montee Ball said. "My senior year I got like 330 carries. If I had to go back, I would change that."</p> <p>On Friday, the Afternoon Drive on Mile High Sports Radio AM 1340 featured Eric Goodman's post-game interview with <span>Montee Ball</span>. In it, Ball sounded resigned to a fate he probably couldn't imagine a year or two ago, possibly off the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Broncos</a>' roster.</p>
<link rel="stylesheet" href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3608425/mustreads.css">
<p>"I feel that I can most definitely help this team win football games," Ball told Goodman. "I know for a fact I can. But it's a business. It comes down to 53. Like I kept saying, I kind of felt like I worked with what I had out there. I tried to make a play. I should have made a play as a playmaker. But it was tough out there tonight."</p>
<div class="sidebar">
<h2>Montee Ball interview</h2>
<iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/222397624&color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false"></iframe>
</div>
<p>Then Goodman asks an interesting question: if Ball had a choice between a #4 back with the Broncos, or competing for a #2 or #3 spot somewhere else (after getting cut), which would he choose?</p>
<p>"That's a great question," Ball said, pausing to think while laughing. "That's kind of something I will be thinking about, but it's really out of my hands right now... If I do get cut, I'll most definitely go shopping. If I am here, I'll make the most of special teams. That's what I did my rookie year."</p>
<p>"If I had the choice," Ball continued, "I'm a Bronco at heart. I'm a Bronco at heart."</p>
<p>Ball talked about how long the season can be, on how anything can happen and he'll keep competing.</p>
<div class="pullquote">"I kind of felt like I worked with what I had out there. I tried to make a play. I should have made a play as a playmaker. But it was tough out there tonight." <span>-Montee Ball</span>
</div>
<p>"It was a lot of carries. I can only blame myself for that for staying in my senior year. My senior year I got like 330 carries. If I had to go back, I would change that. I would change that. But being in the situation I'm in now, I can only just keeping staying on top of my body, keeping it healthy."</p>
<p>"I appreciate all the carries I got, because I loved it... but it's tough on the body. I feel good now, but we probably could have spread it around a little bit."</p>
<p>Goodman concludes: In hindsight, if Ball had known he was going to get 356 carries his senior year, he would have left as a junior.</p>
<h3>Bonus listen - MHR on MHS</h3>
<p>I joined the guys, where they asked me about <span>Brock Osweiler</span>, Montee Ball, <span>Corbin Louks</span>. <em>My biggest regret was not laying out for that touchdown pass</em>, Goodman relayed. Give it a listen and be sure to catch The Afternoon Drive every weekday from 4-6 on AM 1340 and MileHighSports.com.</p>
<p><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/222401021&color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false"></iframe></p>
https://www.milehighreport.com/2015/9/4/9264175/montee-ball-wisconsin-denver-broncos-senior-year-2013kmonty2015-09-04T15:09:52-06:002015-09-04T15:09:52-06:00Broncos vs Cardinals: The preseason No Bull Review
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/XynZkt_NQrweveB9Ly_hEKz5cqw=/0x0:4915x3277/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47096378/usa-today-8779973.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Even with some interesting angles (Montee Ball, QB performance, 4th or 5th WR), it is hard to get excited about the 4th preseason game of the year. I hung in there though and found a few items of interest to discuss as we get ready to cut down to 53 for the regular season.</p> <p>I'm keeping this pretty short and sweet for a couple of reasons:</p>
<p>1. Largely not much of this game really matters. Save your stories about Terrel Davis and <span>Rod Smith</span>...I get it. But overall from the perspective of a game of football, who cares?</p>
<p>2. Since the quality of players on the field is so much lower than normal, a lot of guys look bad because their teammates aren't handling their responsibilities. So if your favorite critique of the game is missing, this is probably why.</p>
<h3>Offense</h3>
<h4>Quarterbacks</h4>
<p>Seriously now, <span>Brock Osweiler</span> looked pretty darn good running the offensive 2nd team. His play action bootleg to open the game was <span>Gary Kubiak</span> at his finest. The throw could have been more on a rope and in front, but the results aren't something we should ever complain about, so no big deal there.</p>
<p><span>Trevor Siemian</span> came back down to earth a bit in this game. He took sacks that he shouldn't have (even with his line blocking like junk). He missed a bunch of throws. His downfield to the sideline accuracy needs a lot of work. That is an NFL QB throw and he missed at least 3 of them by a wide margin.</p>
<h4>Care for a Bibb or a Ball?</h4>
<p>The biggest storyline going into this game was the running back position. <span>Montee Ball</span> has solidified himself to me as a bust. Yup...save your comments about Knowshon Moreno. He sucks. There were multiple times where he had cut back lanes and chose not to take them and instead plowed into defenders. He looked slow. He had no appreciable burst. He didn't make guys miss. Sorry Montee. You are the weakest link.</p>
<p><span>Kapri Bibbs</span> looked better than Montee Ball. That's all I can say really. CSU fans should slow their roll. He wasn't completely useless. He had some speed to him. He needs a lot of work, though. Keeping him means you think he has potential.</p>
<p>Overall if we keep Montee, it is because he was a 2nd round pick..it will not be a choice based off of performance.</p>
<h4>Wide receivers showing the goods</h4>
<p>Standing applause for Bennie Fowler. You played one helluva game, man! For those of us watching, it was nice to see a player leaving it all out on the field and showing the coaches that he has the goods. I loved his route running. He played physical after the catch. He showed soft hands. This guy has potential and value today.</p>
<p><span>Andre Caldwell</span> isn't going anywhere <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Broncos</a> Country. And you want to know something? Rightly so. He's played fantastically for us this preseason. Sure he might fall apart during the regular season, but there is no way you can cut a guy who's played as well as he has. A big hat's off to Caldwell. You've proven me wrong up to this point in 2015. Show me in the regular season now...I'm looking forward to a big plate of crow.</p>
<h4>Other quick hits from the offense</h4>
<ul>
<li><span>I liked Isaiah Burse's play. If he's eligible, we should try to get him on the PS.</span></li>
<li><span><span>Corbin Louks</span> had a gimme NFL TD and let it drop. If he stays or makes the PS it isn't because of his play at WR.</span></li>
<li><span><span>Jordan Taylor</span> also dropped some catchable balls. He wasn't really going to make the team anyway though.</span></li>
</ul>
<h3>Defense</h3>
<h4>Let's talk linebackers</h4>
<p><span>Shaquil Barrett</span> is a monster. He would start on about 20 other teams in the NFL without a doubt...maybe 25. Whoever found him needs a raise. Don't really fret the offsides penalties as that is something that can be coached out of him.</p>
<p><span>Shane Ray</span> also looks like the real deal. He was just as disruptive as Barrett in this game and really has only been a step behind performance-wise than the 2nd year player.</p>
<p><span>Steven Johnson</span> whiffed badly on a tackle in the open field. Good linebackers don't do that. I think he's a good depth guy inside. He plays the run very well and that showed tonight with a superb TFL.</p>
<p><span>Todd Davis</span> showed up early with a sack. I still like his game and feel very comfortable if he had to start for us that we wouldn't see a big drop in production from our excellent starting ILBs.</p>
<h4>Secondary</h4>
<p><span>Curtis Marsh</span> looked as bad as his stat lines from previous seasons hinted at. He was pretty terrible in coverage mostly having to recover after letting scrubs get a step on him. His technique is bad, his speed isn't great, and he doesn't appear to have the ball skills to deny the pass once it gets there. Marsh was the Montee Ball of the defense to me.</p>
<p><span>Kayvon Webster</span> looked overall pretty good. I liked his tackling. His coverage was solid as well. He's probably going to make the team over <span>Tony Carter</span> due to price from what I've seen.</p>
<p>For safeties, I thought <span>Josh Furman</span> looked poor and <span>Josh Bush</span> looked decent again to me though I don't know if he's decent enough to make the team.</p>
<h3>Special Teams</h3>
<p><span>Brandon McManus</span> had the chance to solidify his spot as the "sure choice" at placekicker by nailing a makeable 51-yard field goal to win the game. He was weighed, measured, and found lacking. It is just one kick though..he made a 50 yarder earlier. His other kicks looked superb.</p>
<p>I loved the big tackle by Kapri Bibbs...had I not been sick I probably would have jumped out of my seat. Well done Bibbs! Here's another reason for this guy to make the team over Ball.</p>
https://www.milehighreport.com/2015/9/4/9262985/broncos-vs-cardinals-the-meaningless-preason-no-bull-reviewsadaraine2015-09-04T15:09:09-06:002015-09-04T15:09:09-06:00Barrett continues dominance in last preseason game
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/TSZR09GPk8jw-wBWeJbq7gYrnGw=/69x0:3037x1979/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47092628/usa-today-8779901.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>It was an up-and-down night for a lot of players, but several showed great promise as tough decisions loom for the coaches.</p> <p>In a meaningless preseason game that meant a whole lot to 22 players fighting to make the last round of cuts, the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Broncos</a>' 22-20 loss to the <a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cardinals</a> certainly solidified the fate of one former CSU Ram while likely giving an edge to another.</p>
<p>"48 continues to stand out to me," <span>Gary Kubiak</span> said of outside linebacker <span>Shaquil Barrett</span>, who has been filling in as the second-stringer behind <span>Von Miller</span> after an injury to <span>Lerentee McCray</span>. "He's had a great preseason."</p>
<p>And Barrett had a great game last night - save two mistakes that carried untimely penalties - leading the defense with six solo tackles and two sacks. And those numbers against the Cardinals only made his entire preseason statistics that much better - four sacks, eight hits on the quarterback and 10 solo tackles.</p>
<p>For the presumed third-stringer, those are good numbers - even in preseason. And they parallel the dominance the Broncos' defense has shown in its four preseason games, posting 20 sacks from 14 players.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Broncos?src=hash">#Broncos</a>' <a href="https://twitter.com/MOOCHIE056">@MOOCHIE056</a> numbers after preseason: 10 solo tackles, 8 hits on the QB, 4 sacks. WOW. <a href="http://t.co/6rCku7ks2e">pic.twitter.com/6rCku7ks2e</a></p>
— L.Lattimore-Volkmann (@docllv) <a href="https://twitter.com/docllv/status/639841006859517952">September 4, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<p>"It felt good. I came out there and did my job, just did what the coaches knew I could do and knew what I could do," Barrett said, adding that he's still "bummed" about getting the penalties, especially at inopportune times. "I'm just trying to get off the ball. It just hurt the team too much. I've just got to be more mentally focused than that."</p>
<p>Admitting that the penalties would probably be what he heard about most from his wife and family, Barrett said his focus in a game is always to come out hard.</p>
<p>"I'm pretty confident I can beat the tackle once a game," said the 6-foot-2, 250-pound linebacker. "If I can beat him once and get a sack on it, that'd be a good accomplishment. I just came out there and gave my most 100 percent effort and it happened."</p>
<p>But despite appearing as the No. 2-graded outside linebacker from Pro Football Focus behind <span>Khalil Mack</span>, Barrett said after the game he is hoping his effort was enough to stay with the Broncos.</p>
<p>"I feel good about the situation, but I've still got the butterflies and still worried also because you never know what's going to happen," Barrett said. "They might go in a different direction. I just don't know so I'm just staying by my phone in case I get a call, but hopefully I don't have to get it."</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="PFF barrett" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/L1YIDqmGXepYC4YWkuPuBeNGRjo=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4031598/Screen_Shot_2015-09-04_at_4.07.46_PM.0.png">
</figure>
</p>
<p>For fellow Ram <span>Kapri Bibbs</span>, the preseason performance was not nearly as dynamic but may have been enough to stay on the team.</p>
<p>Statistics from the Cardinals game <a href="http://www.milehighreport.com/2015/9/4/9260733/broncos-must-choose-kapri-bibbs-over-montee-ball">would tip the needle toward Kapri Bibbs,</a> who took better advantage of his limited touches by averaging 4.5 yards on just six carries, compared to Ball's 27 yards on 16 carries, a rather dismal 1.7 yards per carry average.</p>
<p>And Bibbs did show some serious tackling aggression on special teams.</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Kapri Bibbs on <span>Trevor Harman</span> trying to hurdle him: " I don't know what he was thinking. I was standing straight up." <a href="http://t.co/X1jRT9SHt7">pic.twitter.com/X1jRT9SHt7</a></p>
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) <a href="https://twitter.com/NickiJhabvala/status/639676563663929344">September 4, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</p>
<p>But Kubiak wasn't particularly impressed with either in last night's run game. Noting that Ball's "numbers aren't good," the head coach wanted to take a closer look at the film today.</p>
<p>"We didn't run the ball a lick in the game," Kubiak said afterward. "I've got to look at the big picture. I don't know how many fair opportunities [Ball] had. I know he played hard. He played on special teams. He did everything he could do."</p>
<p>The head coach also pointed out needing to be fair to Bibbs' production.</p>
<p>"Kapri came in and did a few nice things, like I said. Let's be fair to him, too," Kubiak said. "You've got to have room to run scheme-wise. We'll go back and look at the big picture."</p>
<p>Given the <a href="http://www.milehighreport.com/2015/9/4/9262341/montee-ball-involved-in-broncos-cowboys-trade-talk" target="_blank">leaks that there are trade talks in the works for Ball</a>, it would appear Kubiak didn't like the film much more than the game.</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Multiple teams in the M Ball discussions, including Houston.</p>
— Vic Lombardi (@VicLombardi) <a href="https://twitter.com/VicLombardi/status/639877808555081728">September 4, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</p>
<p>Part of that "big picture" for Kubiak may also include some decisions on quarterback <span>Trevor Siemian</span>, who continued to show the poise the head coach has raved about but was unable to save the game with another fourth-quarter comeback win.</p>
<p>Despite those lack of heroics (which would have been darn near impossible behind an offensive line that allowed three sacks to the QB), Siemian says he feels good about where he stands on the roster decisions.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>"I'm feeling good," he said. "I mean, there's definitely stuff I need to work on for sure, and I'm still learning, like I said, so just learn something new every day and get a little better each day. And I think I've done that."</p>
<p>Aside from Brock Osweiler's magnificent 78-yard touchdown pass to <span>Andre Caldwell</span> in the end zone on the first play of the game, the backup quarterback's night was mostly pedestrian. Osweiler went 7 of 12 for 108 yards, but taking away the first touchdown play, he was 6/11 for 30 yards. Not an overwhelming performance but still a capable one.</p>
<p>And that touchdown <i>was pretty</i> as Osweiler connected with Caldwell for the second time this season on a huge score.</p>
<p>In case you somehow missed it:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Home run! First play! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Broncos?src=hash">#Broncos</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Brock?src=hash">#Brock</a> <a href="https://t.co/gVqp8lENh2">https://t.co/gVqp8lENh2</a></p>
— MileHighReport (@MileHighReport) <a href="https://twitter.com/MileHighReport/status/639608053348831232">September 4, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<p>"I love the way this offense is set up for a lot for big plays, big chucks down the field. And it showcases my ability of being the speed guy," said Caldwell, who might have done as much for his stock on the team as anyone this offseason.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>"It's going to be very stressful. Everybody's working hard, competing every day, and it's like a dream-killer, so it's tough on a lot of guys," Caldwell said of the team needing to cut wide receivers. "I wish them all well, and I'm hopeful that I never have to be in that position."</p>
<p>But the Osweiler-Caldwell duo is going to take a rest now as the backup quarterback prepares to sit behind <span>Peyton Manning</span> as the regular season gets underway in earnest.</p>
<p> </p>
<div class="pullquote">Without question, it's going to be hard. But right now my role is to be the backup quarterback, be prepared every single week and get our No. 1 defense ready by running a great scout team. <span>-Brock Osweiler on sitting behind Peyton Manning</span>
</div>
<p>"Without a question, it's going to be hard," Osweiler said of taking a backseat. "To get out there and be able to play with that first unit, obviously, it keeps you very eager to want to be out there and play more, but that's not my role. Right now, my role is to be the backup quarterback, be prepared every single week to play if something happens to Peyton and then, obviously, get our No. 1 defense ready by running a great scout team each week."</p>
<p>No doubt playing against the Broncos' No. 1 defense will be worthy preparation. Just ask rookie edge rusher <span>Shane Ray</span>, who believes this defense is going to continue to dominate just as it has in the preseason.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>"Honestly, we just have to give a lot of credit to our coaches. [Wade] Phillips puts in a really good position all around on defense to be aggressive, make plays and get sacks," he said. "I think preseason and what we've done is just a reflection of us taking coaching and being a good football team."</p>
<p>Ray, who contributed one of the Broncos' three sacks last night, is definitely ready to bring on the regular season.</p>
<p>"My confidence level is at a high, which is key, especially for a young player going through what I went through," Ray said. "I've taken a lot of steps, but now, I feel like I'm where I need to be to be successful and now I'll get ready for Baltimore."</p>
<p>Yes, bring on Baltimore; bring on the games that count.</p>
https://www.milehighreport.com/2015/9/4/9261731/barrett-continues-strong-preseason-in-final-game-against-cardinalsLaurie Lattimore-Volkmann2015-09-04T10:25:53-06:002015-09-04T10:25:53-06:00Whose stock rose, fell Thursday night
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/A4TVDDdf5CIVetd_b3oi2sDrDfM=/0x89:3581x2476/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47092278/GettyImages-486419558.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Doug Pensinger/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>While the score doesn't matter in a team's fourth and final preseason game, the performances on the field do. Here's who impressed - and who didn't - in Denver's final preseason matchup.</p> <p><a href="http://www.milehighreport.com/2015/8/31/9235085/broncos-roster-cuts-2015">Denver Broncos roster cuts</a> are due at 2:00 p.m. MT on Saturday, September 5th. Here's who looked good - and who didn't - in Denver's fourth and final preseason game.</p>
<h3>Stock up: WR <span>Bennie Fowler</span>
</h3>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Superb TD catch by Bennie Fowler. <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Broncos</a> take lead as pandemonium breaks out on The Front Range. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/gazbroncos?src=hash">#gazbroncos</a></p>
— david ramsey (@davidlukeramsey) <a href="https://twitter.com/davidlukeramsey/status/639637945008328704">September 4, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Touchdown! <a href="https://twitter.com/b_fowler13">@b_fowler13</a> showing his mastery of catching the ball, takes one over the back of the <a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cardinals</a>' <span>C.J. Roberts</span>. Broncos up 20 to 16</p>
— The Orange Page (@theorangepage) <a href="https://twitter.com/theorangepage/status/639637805413482497">September 4, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Siemian to Bennie Fowler, touchdown -- Gorgeous catch turning back against <span>C.J. Roberts</span>, leaps over him.</p>
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaseDenver/status/639637681891250176">September 4, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</p>
<h3>Stock down: WR <span>Corbin Louks</span>
</h3>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Corbin Louks has to make that catch if you want to make the team. All I've seen is three fair catches.</p>
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) <a href="https://twitter.com/CameronWolfe/status/639637525871505408">September 4, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It is heartbreaking to see a guy drop a wide open TD in 4th preseason game. Hopefully Louks shakes it off (like Taylor Swift, <a href="https://twitter.com/MaseDenver">@MaseDenver</a>).</p>
— MileHighReport (@MileHighReport) <a href="https://twitter.com/MileHighReport/status/639637788699176960">September 4, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</p>
<h3>Stock up: RB Kapri Bibbs</h3>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">HUGE PLAY FOR BIBBS! Straight up tracklin' him in mid-air!</p>
— Christina (@yeswhatisaygoes) <a href="https://twitter.com/yeswhatisaygoes/status/639646386099630080">September 4, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">AND <a href="https://twitter.com/KapriBibbs">@KapriBibbs</a> JUST HAD HIS <a href="https://twitter.com/Terrell_Davis">@Terrell_Davis</a> moment!!!</p>
— The Orange Page (@theorangepage) <a href="https://twitter.com/theorangepage/status/639646343808462848">September 4, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ball: 16 for 27 Bibbs: 4 for 22 Yup, it's just the offensive line. Oh and Bibbs can play special teams. Get making excuses guys :)</p>
— Scotty Payne (@Skotty_Payne) <a href="https://twitter.com/Skotty_Payne/status/639646507298365441">September 4, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<h3>Stock down: RB <span>Montee Ball</span>
</h3>
<p>It started out okay for Montee Ball...</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Montee Ball w/ an 8-yard gain to 46. 3rd & 2</p>
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) <a href="https://twitter.com/NickiJhabvala/status/639609082014380032">September 4, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<p>...but it was all downhill from there.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Bibbs getting yardage with same O-line that Ball couldn't, doesn't look good for Montee</p>
— Kirk Davis (@MHR_KaptainKirk) <a href="https://twitter.com/MHR_KaptainKirk/status/639638368012234752">September 4, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">I just don't see how <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Broncos?src=hash">#Broncos</a> running back Montee Ball makes the team over Kapri Bibbs. Trent Richardson vision from Ball tonight. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/turrible?src=hash">#turrible</a></p>
— Tim Lynch (@TimLynch1978) <a href="https://twitter.com/TimLynch1978/status/639638429043589121">September 4, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<h3>Stock up: S Josh Bush</h3>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The Broncos could do worse than give T.J. Ward's spot to <span>Josh Bush</span>.</p>
— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeKlis/status/639645639593168896">September 4, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Love how active Josh Bush has been attacking plays in the box and in the flat.</p>
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaseDenver/status/639645432541409280">September 4, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</p>
<h3>Stock down: DB <span>Curtis Marsh</span>
</h3>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Curtis Marsh just got burned</p>
— Adam Kinney (@AdamKinneyRadio) <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamKinneyRadio/status/639641229056020480">September 4, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><span>J.J. Nelson</span> blows past Curtis Marsh, gets upfield for the deep TD catch from Logan Thompas. Cardinals back in front.</p>
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaseDenver/status/639641269602377728">September 4, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</p>
<h3>Stock up: LB <span>Zaire Anderson</span>
</h3>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><span>Zaire Anderson</span> brings the hammer on run stop before the TD. He's impressed all camp, the question is can <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Broncos?src=hash">#Broncos</a> find a way to keep him.</p>
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) <a href="https://twitter.com/CameronWolfe/status/639619213175296000">September 4, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Broncos?src=hash">#Broncos</a> Zaire Anderson with big tackle.. Trying to keep team's 11-year streak of undrafted free agent making the team alive...</p>
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) <a href="https://twitter.com/TroyRenck/status/639618505726230528">September 4, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">With ILB Zaire Anderson tackle for a loss, Broncos' defense has now totaled 23 tackles for a loss in 4 preseason games this year.</p>
— Patrick Smyth (@psmyth12) <a href="https://twitter.com/psmyth12/status/639618897012854788">September 4, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</p>
<h3>Stock down: T <span>Michael Schofield</span>
</h3>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><span>Markus Golden</span> works past Michael Schofield for the third-down sack. Schofield allowed some pressures in the first half, as well.</p>
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaseDenver/status/639634115289989120">September 4, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Oof. Michael Schofield not having a good night, and he's supposed to be the backup swing tackle now that Chris Clark's gone.</p>
— MileHighReport (@MileHighReport) <a href="https://twitter.com/MileHighReport/status/639634351471222784">September 4, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Broncos?src=hash">#Broncos</a> better pray <span>Ryan Harris</span> and <span>Ty Sambrailo</span> stay healthy. It's apparent Michael Schofield is not ready to play.</p>
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) <a href="https://twitter.com/CameronWolfe/status/639634890451873792">September 4, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<h3>Stock up: QB <span>Brock Osweiler</span>
</h3>
<p>There's no chance Brock Osweiler was getting cut, but it is important to note his stock is rising as he is in the final year of his contract. <a href="http://www.milehighreport.com/2015/9/2/9252457/brock-osweiler-contract-broncos-2015">The Broncos have a decision to make here</a>.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Osweiler's preseason: 44/66 484 yards (64.7%) 3 TDs 1 INT. 94.2% rating on 131 plays.</p>
— The Orange Page (@theorangepage) <a href="https://twitter.com/theorangepage/status/639630057640624129">September 4, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Brock Osweiler looking like <span>Jake Plummer</span> on the bootleg deep bomb. Some poor Arizona DB left Bubba Caldwell wide open.</p>
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) <a href="https://twitter.com/CameronWolfe/status/639607714750992384">September 4, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Brock Osweiler did a superb job of selling that handoff. He's more comfortable in Kubiak's offensive schemes. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/gazbroncos?src=hash">#gazbroncos</a></p>
— david ramsey (@davidlukeramsey) <a href="https://twitter.com/davidlukeramsey/status/639607796317622272">September 4, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Brock just made millions.</p>
— Colin Daniels (@southstands303) <a href="https://twitter.com/southstands303/status/639607741808377856">September 4, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<h3>Stock down: QB Trevor Siemian</h3>
<p>Siemian had an up-and-down game Thursday, which one should expect from a rookie. But since his stock was sky-high entering the game, we have to consider his interception and inability to drive the Broncos further down the field in the fourth quarter as a slight dip in his stock.</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Siemian has what is hard to coach into a guy: poise, cool and a feel for the pass rush. Intriguing prospect. Some real good tools there.</p>
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaseDenver/status/639643411125895170">September 4, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">But that wasn't a good moment for Siemian -- looked for <span>Isaiah Burse</span> in double coverage, intercepted by Chris Clemons. Locked in on Burse.</p>
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaseDenver/status/639644237751955460">September 4, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">man, that was ugly in so many ways</p>
— Jon Heath (@JonHeathNFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/JonHeathNFL/status/639644459928526852">September 4, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</p>
<h3>Stock up: LB Todd Davis</h3>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">WIth LB <a href="https://twitter.com/BamBamDavis53">@BamBamDavis53</a> sack, Broncos now have 18 sacks this preseason by 13 different players.</p>
— Patrick Smyth (@psmyth12) <a href="https://twitter.com/psmyth12/status/639614760338591744">September 4, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Rookie <a href="https://twitter.com/X_RAYted56">@X_RAYted56</a> chased <span>Phillip Sims</span> right into <a href="https://twitter.com/BamBamDavis53">@BamBamDavis53</a>'s arms for a sack.</p>
— The Orange Page (@theorangepage) <a href="https://twitter.com/theorangepage/status/639614949724041217">September 4, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
https://www.milehighreport.com/2015/9/4/9261409/broncos-roster-cuts-2015-stock-report-rising-fallingkmonty2015-09-04T08:42:57-06:002015-09-04T08:42:57-06:00It's time to cut Montee Ball
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Hs7hvrUuqQER-1iUl4G_7tMEke8=/0x9:3832x2564/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47091300/usa-today-8779921.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>In the aftermath of the Denver Broncos <a href="http://www.milehighreport.com/2015/9/3/9259583/broncos-cardinals-final-score-2015-preseason-brock-osweiler%22">22-20 loss</a> to the Arizona Cardinals in the final preseason game, one thing has become crystal clear to fans. Kapri Bibbs is more deserving of a roster spot than Montee Ball at this point.</p> <p>There wouldn't be any debate right now over who deserves a roster spot if <b>Montee Ball</b> and <b>Kapri Bibbs</b> were both drafted in the same round, but for whatever reason draft position often rules over logic when it comes to the final cut. Personally, I'll be more than a little annoyed if Bibbs is out of a job this weekend and Ball is still with the <b>Denver Broncos</b>.</p>
<p>It is clear to almost everyone who watched the game that Bibbs has better vision and rushing instincts than Ball, so why am I even needing to write this post in defense of Kapri Bibbs?</p>
<p>I'm writing it because of Gary Kubiak's <a href="http://www.denverbroncos.com/multimedia/videos/Ball-and-Bibbs-battle-now-wait/994be554-eec1-4500-bec2-4552c1fe2418" target="_blank">wishy washy response</a> on Montee Ball's overall performance on Thursday night:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Obviously, the numbers aren't good, but we didn't run the ball a lick in the game. I've got to look at the big picture. I would say me watching the game, I don't know how many fair opportunities he had. I know he played hard. He played on special teams. He did everything he could do. Kapri came in and did a few nice things, like I said. Let's be fair to him, too. You've got to have room to run scheme-wise. We'll go back and look at the big picture.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Really? Montee Ball didn't have many fair opportunities? According to the final stat line, Ball <a href="http://www.milehighreport.com/2015/9/3/9259669/broncos-cardinals-2015-preseason-reactions-bennie-fowler-gary-kubiak" target="_blank">had plenty of opportunities</a> to do something - anything - to show he deserved a roster spot. If you ask me, it was Kapri Bibbs who did not get a fair shake of opportunity in the game. The stats, in this case, do not lie.</p>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<th>PLAYER</th> <th>ATT</th> <th>YARDS</th> <th>YPC</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Montee Ball</td>
<td>16</td>
<td>27</td>
<td>1.69</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kapri Bibbs</td>
<td>6</td>
<td>27</td>
<td>4.5</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>It's not just the statistical comparison. My eyes saw several gaping holes last night where Ball saw bodies he needed to run into for a 1 yard gain. We're talking Trent Richardson-like vision here.</p>
<center>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I just don't see how <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Broncos?src=hash">#Broncos</a> running back Montee Ball makes the team over Kapri Bibbs. Trent Richardson vision from Ball tonight. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/turrible?src=hash">#turrible</a></p>
— Tim Lynch (@TimLynch1978) <a href="https://twitter.com/TimLynch1978/status/639638429043589121">September 4, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</center>
<p>Bibbs, on the other hand, took his minimal opportunities and turn them into drive-sustaining runs. There's just no way you can make the argument against these facts. It was the same offensive line. The same defense on the field. These are apples to apples comparisons, not apples to oranges.</p>
<link rel="stylesheet" href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3608425/mustreads.css">
<p>Additionally, Montee Ball just sounds like a defeated man. A change of scenery is probably only going to help him at this point. I like Ball and have since the Broncos drafted him, but liking a guy has nothing to do with my desire to see the Broncos win championships. I liked Tim Tebow too, but Peyton Manning is, well, not Tim Tebow.</p>
<p>Ball certainly seems ready to move on:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>It’s out of my hands now. I already talked to everybody. There’s no reason to worry. There’s really not because I’m healthy, so worst case scenario, I will get picked up. But it’s just stay by the phone.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>As for Kapri Bibbs, he is fired up and ready to contribute to the Denver Broncos. He <i>chose</i> to be a Denver Bronco and made sure the media knew that in his post-game interviews:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>If my talents aren't meant for Denver, I've got to move on. I've got to do what's best for my family. But obviously I want to be here in Denver. This is where I want to be. That's why I chose here when I came out, especially in this new system, where I get to run the same way I ran at Colorado State. I think it's perfect for me. But they've got to think it's perfect for them, too. It can't just be a one-sided thing.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>He wants to stick around and, frankly, he has earned the right to stick around. Not only as a better running back than Ball, but as a solid special teams contributor.</p>
<center>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Here is <a href="https://twitter.com/KapriBibbs">@KapriBibbs</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/Terrell_Davis">@Terrell_Davis</a> moment: <a href="https://t.co/0AjtzxcbOw">https://t.co/0AjtzxcbOw</a></p>
— The Orange Page (@theorangepage) <a href="https://twitter.com/theorangepage/status/639679278238470145">September 4, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</center>
<p>On his "Terrell Davis moment", Bibbs continued to show why he should be a 53-man roster Bronco come next week:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Easily. You've got Coach Joe D and if you can play special teams for Kubiak and for him, you can make a case on this team. That tackle, that was huge for me and my other plays, blocking for returners, that stuff is huge, too.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>If you are looking for objectivity from me, just know that I was a huge defender of Montee Ball last year when he lost his starting job and even felt as though he could maybe win his job back this preseason. However, he <a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/blog/denver-broncos/post/_/id/14698/montee-ball-on-broncos-depth-chart-at-running-back-i-didnt-expect-it-to-come-this-way">has been so awful in preseason action</a> that I can no longer defend the guy. He needs a new opportunity, because he has missed his opportunity in Denver. It's time for Kapri Bibbs to be given that 4th and final roster spot at running back, he has earned it by touching the ball just six times and playing special teams.</p>
https://www.milehighreport.com/2015/9/4/9260733/broncos-must-choose-kapri-bibbs-over-montee-ballTim Lynch2015-09-03T22:29:02-06:002015-09-03T22:29:02-06:00Reactions: Fowler shines, Ball doesn't
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/khUtw9M3VKPzpw5YvV0gMcCh5ts=/0x74:3351x2308/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47089882/GettyImages-453441760.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Doug Pensinger/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>In the lest meaningful game of the year, what happened that was worth discussing? Who should be on the chopping block? Who may have earned their spot on the team?</p> <p>It is so hard to get jazzed for this game given that a large number of the players we will be watching aren't NFL quality players. It shows... especially in the 2nd half. Play looks sloppy. Players look bad because of other players missing assignments. Nevertheless, here's the stuff I'm thinking right after the watch:</p>
<p>
<link href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3608425/mustreads.css" rel="stylesheet">
</p>
<ul>
<li>
<span>Andre Caldwell</span> is making this team. He may even deserve it.</li>
<li>
<span>Montee Ball</span> showed me nothing tonight or all of the preseason to think he's worth keeping.</li>
<li>Trevor Seimian looked much more like a rookie this game early in the 2nd half. He picked it up though. The line play was very shaky.</li>
<li>For all the flak <span>Tony Carter</span> gets, <span>Curtis Marsh</span> showed us why depth CBs are hard to find.</li>
</ul>
<div>To me the biggest story of the game was <span>Bennie Fowler</span>. I really dug what he was putting on the field tonight. Great hands, good routes, and lots of solid play. <span>Isaiah Burse</span> pushed him, but Fowler showed the coaches the goods.</div>
<div>
<br>Honestly, I think the team is looking pretty good from a depth perspective. <span>Brock Osweiler</span> is ready to step in if <span>Peyton Manning</span> gets injured. We've got some really awesome guys playing 2nd string that would easily start on other teams. This team looked well-coached and pushed hard to execute, and I love seeing that for a change.</div>
<div><br></div>
<div>On to the <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Baltimore Ravens</a>!</div>
https://www.milehighreport.com/2015/9/3/9259669/broncos-cardinals-2015-preseason-reactions-bennie-fowler-gary-kubiaksadaraine2015-09-03T22:10:01-06:002015-09-03T22:10:01-06:00Brock rocks, but Broncos fall to Cardinals 22-20
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Yx2R2G6C6X1ffg6pK8P4rD5vW4g=/0x53:3576x2437/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47089992/usa-today-8778905.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>For the Denver Broncos, it was exhilarating in the first half, but disappointing in the end.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Denver Broncos</a> wrapped up their 2015 preseason with a Brockin' rockin' first offensive play - <span>Brock Osweiler</span> to Andre Bubba Caldwell in a classic <span>Gary Kubiak</span> play-action rollout for a 78-yard touchdown.</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">78-yard drive? Nobody has time for all that. Brock Osweiler's going for 78 + 6 with one throw. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AZvsDEN?src=hash">#AZvsDEN</a> <a href="http://t.co/q9B36e3IBI">http://t.co/q9B36e3IBI</a></p>
— NFL (@NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/639609793661939712">September 4, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</p>
<p>Their defense took that momentum and ran with it - or, should I say, sacked with it - as <span>Shaquil Barrett</span>, <span>Shane Ray</span>, and <span>Todd Davis</span> all enjoyed the fruits of their pass rush labors. The Broncos shot to a 13-3 lead in the blink of Peyton Manning's watchful eye behind Osweiler's big arm and the defense's big presence (three sacks in the first quarter alone).</p>
<p>
<link href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3608425/mustreads.css" rel="stylesheet">
</p>
<p><span>Phillip Sims</span> (<a href="http://www.milehighreport.com/2014/9/16/6255165/deconstructing-phil-simms-commentary-from-chiefs-broncos">not that guy</a> - the <a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Arizona Cardinals</a>' backup QB) was able to bounce back enough from those hustles to lead Arizona to a touchdown drive to make it 13-10 at the half.</p>
<p>In the second half, the Cardinals and Broncos exchanged touchdowns - Cardinals QB Logan Thomas had probably the prettiest throw of the night - while Trevor Siemian saw his night that started oh-so-good spoiled by a disastrous interception. The Broncos attempted to mount a comeback, but Brandon McManus missed a 51-yard field goal attempt with a minute to play, and the Cardinals kneeled to win 22-20.</p>
<h3>Running back battle</h3>
<p>The story of the night was <span>Montee Ball</span> vs. <span>Kapri Bibbs</span>, and while Ball got plenty of touches, it was Bibbs who made the most of his opportunities.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ball: 16 for 27 Bibbs: 4 for 22 Yup, it's just the offensive line. Oh and Bibbs can play special teams. Get making excuses guys :)</p>
— Scotty Payne (@Skotty_Payne) <a href="https://twitter.com/Skotty_Payne/status/639646507298365441">September 4, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">AND <a href="https://twitter.com/KapriBibbs">@KapriBibbs</a> JUST HAD HIS <a href="https://twitter.com/Terrell_Davis">@Terrell_Davis</a> moment!!!</p>
— The Orange Page (@theorangepage) <a href="https://twitter.com/theorangepage/status/639646343808462848">September 4, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<p>The problem with Ball is that he isn't showing the speed or tackle-breaking ability or vision that you'd expect from a second round pick. It'd be great if he was putting any one of these talents on display, but right now they're just not translating to the football field. Meanwhile, Bibbs is hurting people on offense and on special teams.</p>
<p>Is Ball's bell rung? We'll see.</p>
<h3>
<span>Trevor Siemian</span> (nearly) leads a comeback</h3>
<p><span>Trevor Siemian</span> already led one 4th-quarter comeback win this season. Against the Cardinals, he had another opportunity, trailing 22-20 with four minutes to play. Siemian converted two 4th downs (one was converted thanks to a defensive penalty) to move the Broncos into field goal range. He had big help from <span>Bennie Fowler</span>, who shined and potentially made the team as a sixth wide receiver, before <span>Brandon McManus</span> missed a 51-yard field goal to end the game.</p>
https://www.milehighreport.com/2015/9/3/9259583/broncos-cardinals-final-score-2015-preseason-brock-osweilerkmonty2015-09-03T20:24:31-06:002015-09-03T20:24:31-06:00Watch: Shane Ray SMASHES Cards QB, forces fumble<h3 class="link-title"><a rel="nofollow" href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/639622625539391488">Watch: Shane Ray SMASHES Cards QB, forces&nbsp;fumble</a></h3>
<div class="description"><p><p>Denver has so many edge rushers, it's not even fair. The Broncos are winning 13-7 just before halftime.</p></p></div>
https://www.milehighreport.com/2015/9/3/9259417/watch-shane-ray-smashes-cards-qb-forces-fumbleJon Heath